Kayla Gaulke – Fitsok Ambassador

What is your running history?

I started running in 6th grade when I wanted to continue being the 1st girl for the mile run. Then, I ran cross country and track from 7th grade until graduating high school. I went to State once in cross country and twice in track in high school. In college, I ran cross country for two years. Running has evolved for me over the years. I now train for marathons and run any races less than a marathon as part of my training. I ran the Boston Marathon in 2013 and 2014 and will be going back in 2016. Running is part of who I am and makes me a better person. I know I am a stronger person because of running and it teaches you to endure through good times and bad. With running, you learn to appreciate the little things in life and see how simply beautiful life really is.

What running groups/communities are you involved with?

I am involved with the 261 Fearless running community, which is a nation-wide running community for women promoting the involvement of running in women. I also work in a school district, so I help out with our high school cross country and track team.

What is your favorite running experience?

My favorite running experience is two things that leads into one. Running the Boston Marathon is probably the most amazing race experience that I've had. It was a goal of mine since I was little. I ran it for the first time in 2013, which was amazing, but then I went back in 2014 and it was unlike anything I've ever experienced. The course, amazing spectators, the history of the race, fellow runners, the unity, the freedom, and the atmosphere was out of the world. It left me on a "marathon high" for weeks after. My other favorite running experience is those moments while training where everything is right in the world. You are feeling good on the run and feel you could run for miles. The breeze hitting your face, the fresh air you breathe in, the quiet sound of just your feet hitting the pavement and your breath, the nature you witness on your run, and the sun shining down on your face. It's those simple moments that makes running so beautiful and makes for one of my favorite running experiences.

What events are you running/racing in 2016? What are your goals?

For now, my two big marathons are Boston Marathon on April 18, 2016 and Grandma's Marathon in June 2016. I haven't thought of a fall race yet and I always add some smaller races (10Ks, half, 5ks) but I haven't decided which ones yet.

What do you talk about when you talk about running?

I talk about how it's helped me become a better person and the amazing feelings and experiences that running can give you as a person and share my experiences with that. I bring up the funny stories that happen when you are out running or racing because it makes people laugh, but also encourage others to try running for themselves and see how it changes them. And of course tell them about Fitsok!

What is your favorite Fitsok sock and why?

CF2 Magic Pop for everyday running and most racing. F4 Magic Pop for shorter races and speedwork. They give the comfort and support that my feet need while running. They have the right amount of cushioning, amazing fabric, and no blisters!

What are your major running accomplishments?

• Lifetime Marathon PR (3:11:29),
• 2015 1st place female, Bemidji Blue Ox Half-Marathon
• 2015 Top 100 Female finisher, Grandma's Marathon (also won 19-34 F age group!)
• 2013 1st place female, Rutabaga Days 20K
• Qualified for Boston Marathon 8x. Ran Boston Marathon in 2013, 2014 and will be in 2016
• Other big marathons: Chicago Marathon (3:14:09) and Los Angeles Marathon (3:18:53)

If you were a professional baseball player, what would your walk up song be?

So many choices for this as I listen to everything, but I have to go with Def Leppard Rock of Ages.

Do you prefer burritos or burgers?

Burgers

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Hmmm...how about Lauren Fleshman because she runs, loves the outdoors, and is awesome.

What’s the number one race on your bucket list?

It was Boston Marathon, but now it is a tie between New York Marathon or Tokyo Marathon. I would love to run in all the 6 World Marathon Majors races. I've always wanted to run Seattle Marathon too.

What is your favorite distance to race?

Marathon (26.2 is where it's at for me!)

Anything else we (and the world) should know about you?

I love exploring the great outdoors: biking, fishing, hunting, skiing, camping, etc. Find more Kayla on Instagram at @kayg321.